If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines creamy texture, hearty flavors, and a simple cooking process, the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is here to delight you. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, tender rice, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce all in one skillet, making cooking and cleanup a breeze. Every bite offers a perfect balance of richness and warmth, turning weeknight dinners into moments worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to whip up this indulgent yet straightforward dish? The ingredients are humble but come together to create an explosion of flavor and a velvety texture you’ll want to indulge in again and again.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a light and fragrant sear on the chicken, adding subtle richness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, tender and juicy after cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Sautéed for sweetness and aroma, forming the flavor base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds punch and warmth to the dish.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: The canvas that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and moisture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness essential to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple but critical step ensures the chicken carries a lovely flavor throughout. When the oil is hot, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side—locking in juices and building a beautiful crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next phase of cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, without adding more oil, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. This mix should sizzle slightly, releasing a mouthwatering aroma as the onions soften and turn translucent after about 3 minutes. These sautéed aromatics create the flavor foundation that will infuse into the rice and chicken broth.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, add the uncooked long-grain white rice straight into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat every grain in the onion and garlic mixture. Toasting the rice for a minute or two at this stage adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the grains hold their shape better through cooking.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to deglaze the skillet by scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step is the secret to picking up every bit of concentrated flavor from your seared chicken and sautéed aromatics. Once everything is combined, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Cook Rice
Reduce the heat to low, nestle the seared chicken breasts right on top of the rice, and cover the skillet tightly. Let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the rice to soak up the broth and become tender, while the chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection without drying out.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
After your rice is tender and chicken cooked through, it’s time for the magic touch. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, folding them into the rice and chicken mixture gently but thoroughly. The cheese will melt and the cream will thicken into a luxuriously smooth sauce, turning the dish into a comforting, creamy dream. Give it about 5 minutes to melt and meld together perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top. This last bit of color and freshness adds a bright contrast to the rich sauce, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to counter the rich Parmesan sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving for an extra cheesy hit. A dash of cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice and finish.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for some textural contrast and a bit of crunch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is another refreshing accompaniment to balance out the creamy sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the chicken and rice in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright touch. You can also accompany it with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that decadent sauce. If you want to get extra fun, try plating it over a bed of sautéed spinach for added greens and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this dish is creamy, it keeps its flavor well and tastes just as comforting when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed to prevent drying out. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creaminess and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth will help bring back that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and takes longer to cook, so if you decide to substitute it, increase the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind the chicken may need to cook longer as well to fully cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs will provide even juicier meat. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Using enough oil to sear the chicken and stirring the rice thoroughly with the onions and garlic before adding broth helps prevent sticking. Also, keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the broth is added, and avoid uncovering the skillet during the rice-cooking phase.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring warmth, richness, and simplicity to their weeknight table. It is such a satisfying, comforting dish that feels special without demanding too much time or fuss. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked alongside creamy Parmesan-infused rice. This recipe combines the richness of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese with aromatic garlic and onions, delivering a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes, to build the base flavor.
- Add rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it thoroughly with the onion and garlic mixture to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Deglaze with broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, infusing the rice with rich flavor.
- Simmer with chicken: Lower the heat to low. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and let cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Create creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly throughout the rice and chicken mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to become creamy.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine rice for a fragrant twist, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to monitor the liquid levels; add a little extra broth if the rice appears dry before fully cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
